Guests at the 16th Annual Spinoff Auction, “Treasures of Tuscany: A Toast to Life,” held on Thursday, May 24, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine, bid on a lavish catalog of items that helped raise an unprecedented $1.38 million for Scripps Cancer Center, Stevens Division, on the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.

More than 540 supporters attended the Tuscan-themed event and enjoyed a gourmet Italian dinner and silent and live auctions. The evening’s highlight was when Scripps Cancer Center visionaries Pearl and Charlie Dunn and Sharon and Skeets Dunn were honored for their leadership, dedication and support to Scripps for more than 25 years.

Jane Marshall and Bobbi Martini chaired the successful event and NBC 7/39’s morning news anchor Bill Menish served as emcee for the evening. Sponsors included Home Bank of California, American Airlines and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Spinoff proceeds will benefit Scripps Cancer Center, Stevens Division, which provides critical programs and services that help to deliver exceptional care for cancer patients at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. Contributions will help to fund cancer education and prevention, patient support services and clinical research programs, which study innovative therapies that could revolutionize treatment for patients battling cancer. James Sinclair, M.D., medical director, Scripps Cancer Center, Stevens Division, noted his appreciation of the community support and the importance of philanthropy as these programs and services would not otherwise exist.